Dental veneers are thin shells of porcelain or composite resin that are affixed to the front surfaces of teeth to improve their colour, shape, size, or length. When it comes to the types of veneers, porcelain veneers and composite are the most popular, but both have their pros and cons. We also offer innovative Infinity veneers. So, what’s the best choice for you? Let’s take a look at the differences between them.
What are dental veneers used for?
There is no need to be unhappy with the shape or colour of your teeth. Less than perfect or blemished teeth can be easily and quickly transformed with tailor-made veneers to give you a beautiful smile that is straight and white.
In dentistry, dental veneers are thin pieces of tooth-coloured material that are bonded to the front of teeth to improve their appearance. Tooth veneers can be used to correct a wide variety of dental problems, including:
- Teeth that are discoloured, stained, or yellowed
- Teeth that are chipped or broken
- Gaps between teeth
- Teeth that are crooked or misaligned
Now we know what dental veneers are, let’s dive more into the different types of Veneers.
One of the most popular veneer types is porcelain veneers The material is natural-looking and can be colour-matched to the same shade and colour as your own teeth. During this cosmetic procedure, porcelain veneers require a small amount of tooth enamel to be removed from the front of the tooth so that they are in line with the rest of the teeth.
Alternatively, composite veneers are made from composite resin, the same type of material that is used for white composite fillings. They can be colour-matched to your own teeth, but the resin can be applied over the natural teeth without removing any tooth enamel.
Key differences between porcelain veneers and composite dental veneers
There are a few key differences between porcelain veneers and composite veneers
- Composite veneers can also be applied in a single visit, as opposed to the two-visit process generally required for porcelain veneers.
- Porcelain veneers are resistant to staining whereas composite is not
- Composite veneers are not as strong as porcelain and can therefore be more prone to damage
- Porcelain veneers are a permanent treatment, whereas composite veneers are not
- Porcelain more expensive than composite
- Porcelain is longer lasting
What are Infinity Veneers?
Infinity tooth veneers are one of the newest innovations in cosmetic dentistry. Although porcelain veneers are stain-resistant to a point, a problem that may occur with porcelain veneers when they reach 10 or 15 years old is that the colour of the veneers changes, depending on what type of cement was used to attach them. Created from a blended formula of porcelain and cement, Infinity veneers are designed to remain colour-stable throughout their entire lifetime.
What is the process for getting tooth veneers?
The process varies depending on the types of veneers. Getting dental veneers typically requires two visits to the dentist. As such, there are several steps in the process of acquiring a healthier, whiter smile.
Firstly you will need to consult with a dentist about whether veneers are right for you. Our dentist will talk through your goals and medical history and examine your mouth and teeth to determine that you are a suitable candidate for veneers.
We will then talk you through the types of veneers available and discuss the cost of each. If you decide to go ahead the next step is to prepare your teeth.
If you are having porcelain veneers, a sliver of enamel is removed from the front of the teeth where veneers are being placed. Impressions are then made of the teeth so that the veneers can be custom-made to match their shape and size. These are sent to a laboratory where your custom-made veneers are prepared. When they are ready, you will return to us to have the veneers permanently attached to your teeth.
This is carried out using a light-activated adhesive that bonds the veneers securely to the teeth.
Conversely, composite veneers do not require that enamel is removed from the tooth. The teeth are professionally cleaned before the composite resin is applied to each tooth and shaped. The process is completed with a final polish.
Is it possible to see what my smile will look like before veneer treatment?
Absolutely. We use digital smile design software that shows you on a computer screen exactly how your new smile can look. So, you can choose our veneers with confidence.
Who is a good candidate for dental veneers?
The first consideration is your overall oral health. If you have gum disease or if your tooth enamel is too weak to hold the veneer in place, you may not be able to get one. You also need to ensure that you have sufficient healthy enamel left on your natural tooth so that we can remove some of it before attaching the veneer. If there isn’t enough enamel left because of extensive decay or damage, you won’t be able to undergo the process. If this is the case, your dentist will discuss other options with you.
Another consideration is lifestyle choices such as smoking and eating habits. If you smoke heavily or drink coffee all day long, you may be better off not getting veneers because they can stain easily and become discoloured over time.
Dental veneers are also not recommended if you have a habit of clenching or grinding your teeth since this can cause them to chip or break, exposing the underlying tooth structure. Dental veneers can also become damaged if you bite your nails, chew on pens, ice, etc. A dentist can help you determine whether tooth veneers are right for you.
The best candidates also have realistic expectations about what dental veneers can and can’t do for them. Remember, dental veneers can make your smile look more attractive, but they don’t address underlying oral health issues.
So, what types of veneers are best? The bottom line
Obviously, there is a cost difference between porcelain veneers and composite varieties but remember, porcelain tooth veneers last considerably longer. It’s advisable to talk over the types of veneers available with our dentist to determine whether you’re a good candidate and what will be the most suitable material for your needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to find out more.
References:
Web MD: Dental Veneers
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/veneers
Healthline: Everything You Need To Know About Composite Veneers
https://www.healthline.com/health/composite-veneers
Mayo Clinic: Periodontitis, Symptoms and Causes
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases conditions/periodontitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354473
